India on 67th Independence Day: 32 great facts in pics

Bangalore, Aug 15: Today is the 67th Independence Day of the Republic of India. The nation achieved its freedom from nearly 200 years of rule of the British colonisers. The country is the largest democracy in the world today and an aspiring economy. It is the second-most populous country in the world, a nuclear power, a land known for its intellectual power and cricketing prowess.

OneIndia brings together 40 important facts about the nation, which though is a young country, but an age-old civilisation.

The country

The name 'India' is derived from Indus, which originates from the word Hindus, which stems from the Sanskrit word Sindhu.

Population

India is the second-most populous country in the world with a population figure of 121 crore. Only China has more people than India.

Millionaires

India is home to some world-famous millionaires. That, though doesn't shield the fact that the country has a huge rich-poor divide.

Language

India is home to several languages. During the time of independence, it had 1,100 languages. May of them have been lost, however, leaving the number at 880 now. Yet , that's a big number, isn't it!

Youth

India ithe world's most young country with is a country of the youth and will become the 'youngest nation' by 2020 when the average age of an Indian will be 29 years.

education

India, which has achieved great heights in fields of higher education today, had always been a land of education and scholars. The photograph is of the remains of the famous Nalanda university in Bihar.

Postal service

India has the largest network of postal delivery in the world. The famous telegram service was put to an end in the country last month.

Pilgrimage

India is home to world-famous pilgrimages. In this photograph, we see devotees bathing in the Ganga at Varanasi, a Hindu pilgrimage.

Tourist spots

India is a famous for its famous tourist spots. Here is a glimpse of the Taj Mahal in Agra.

Traffic jams

India is known for its odd traffic jams. All big and small cities of the country are plagued by the problem.

Chess

The game of chess was invented in India.

Diamonds

India has been known as a land of diamonds. The famous Koh-i-noor was seized by the British from this country. the world for its massive diamond-polishing industry.

Architecture

India has been known for its architectural marvels.

History

India is a historical land and there are several spots of historical significance.

Film industry

India is home to the biggest film industry in the world.

Ancient texts

India has several ancient texts which excite students of history from across the world.

Zero

The number 'zero' was invented.

Bananas

India is the biggest producer of banana, a popular and nutritious fruit.

Milk

India is the largest producer of milk in the world.

Aesthetics

India is known to for her aesthetics.

Vegetarian

India, a land of culinary art, is home to the most number of vegetarians in the world.

Himalayas

The Himalayas mountain range in India are the highest in the world.

Religious congregation

India is known for its big religious congregations. The Mahakumbh, which was organised this year, is the largest religious congregation in the world.

Temple

Brihadeeshwara Temple, the biggest temple in the world, is located in Thanjavur in the state of Tamil Nadu in India.

Playing ground at the highest altitude

The cricket stadium in Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh in India is the highest cricket ground in the world.

Democracy

India is the largest democracy in the world with 121 crore people. In the photograph is the Parliament House.

Gold

Indians are the biggest buyers of gold, considered an integral part of the country's culture.

Religions

India is home to all major major religions of the world.

Snakes and ladders

The game of snakes and ladders was invented in India.

Ludo

The game of ludo was invented in India.

Pie

Pie was invented in India, a country which had made great contributions in the field of matmatics.

Medical science

Sushrutha had performed surgery in India 2,600 years ago. The ayurvedic medical science had gained prominence in India ages ago.